Jokowi Absent During The Announcement Of Ganjar's Vice Presidential Candidate, Puan: There Is An Important Task Of The President

PDI-P DPP chairman Puan Maharani at the PDI-P DPP office, Jakarta, Wednesday (18/10/2023). (ANTARA/Mario Sofia Nasution)

Chairman of the PDI-P (PDIP) DPP Puan Maharani said President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) was absent when Mahfud MD was announced as a vice presidential candidate (cawapres) Ganjar Pranowo because there was an important task. Jokowi is on a working visit to China.

"As a PDIP cadre, President Jokowi currently has the duty of the state to be present in China, Beijing also has other events that are planned to visit Riyadh," Puan told reporters at the PDIP DPP Office, Menteng, Central Jakarta, Wednesday, October 18.

"So we understand the absence or inability of Mr. Jokowi at the announcement of the presidential and vice presidential candidates on this occasion," he continued.

Meanwhile, regarding Gibran's absence, Puan said that all cadres could participate in activities online. Moreover, the meeting between President Jokowi's children was canceled due to the sudden announcement of the vice presidential candidate

"So the meeting may be postponed. Later I will also meet Mas Gibran," said Puan.

As previously reported, the General Chairperson of the PDI-P (PDIP) Megawati Soekarnoputri officially announced Mahfud MD as a companion to Ganjar in the 2024 presidential election. This decision was taken after the contemplation was carried out and had a dialogue with the general chairmen as well as other figures. Bismillahirrohmanirrohim, then the vice presidential candidate chosen by the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle who will accompany Mr. Ganjar Pranowo is Mr. Prof. Dr. Mahfud MD," said Megawati at the PDIP DPP Office, Menteng, Central Jakarta, Wednesday, October 18. In the announcement of this vice presidential candidate, the entire general chairman of Ganjar's supporting party was present, such as Acting Chairman of PPP Muhamad Mardiono, Chairman of the Hanura Party Oesman Sapta Odang, Chairman of the Perindo Party Hary Tanoesoedibjo, and Chairman of the National Winning Team Ganjar President (TPN GP) Arsjad Rasyid. Then there were also PDIP officials such as PDIP Secretary General Hasto Kristiyanto, PDIP General Treasurer Olly Dondokambey, PDIP DPP Chairperson who is also Megawati's son, Prananda Prabowo and Puan Maharani as well as other cadres.